Ladji "Papa" Camara - R.I.P.

[Lois Gilbert]

Famed master djimbe drummer, Ladji "Papa" Camara, died early
Sunday morning, October 24, at his home in Senegal, West Africa, after
a brief illness.

In 1959, Ladji Camara came to America as lead drummer for
Guinea's pioneering dance company Ballets Africains de Keita
Fodeba. His passion and sensitivity enthralled audiences. For the
first time, Americans were introduced to the powerful and versatile
Djimbe, the one-headed, goblet-shaped hand drum of West Africa. For
the
first time, they witnessed authentic Mandeng (Mandingo) traditional
music and dance. And though he didn't yet know it, Ladji Camara, born
in Norassoba, Guinea, deep in the heartland of the Mandeng, was
discovering the land in which his destiny would be fulfilled.

Ladji was invited back to America by modern dance legend Katherine
Dunham in the early 60's. He went on the road with Dunham's group,
which dissolved in New York City where he began to teach drum, dance,
and, more importantly, noble African values, to Americans of all castes
and colors. He emerged on the New York scene as a premier African
musician, appearing in performance and on recordings with Art Blakey,
Babatunde Olatunji, Nina Simone, Abdullah Ibrahim, Jayne Cortez, Alvin
Ailey, Chick Davis, and many others. He also started his own Mandeng
dance troupe Ballets Africains de Papa Ladji Camara.

Through the years, Ladji Camara struggled with language barriers,
racism, and economic hardship to emerge as the father of a thriving
vibrant "Rhythm Nation." Ladji brought fresh sounds and sweet
inspirations to a land not his own. His most memorable quotation: "
I
am Papa Ladji Camara. I love everybody. Everybody -- me brother;
everybody -- me sister." Papa was a very loved and revered elder
who touched the lives and hearts of thousands, many of whom gathered
together in 1995 to pack Symphony Space for a special tribute to him as
a performer, teacher, cultural ambassador, and elder.

After more than forty-three years in America, Ladji returned to visit
his family in Guinea, and thereafter retired in Senegal, West Africa.

Papa Ladji Camara will be lovingly remembered for preserving and
sharing his rich cultural legacy. He is survived by his daughter,
Maimouna Camara Guaye of Atlanta, GA, biological sons Fanuyma Camara of
New York, Bakary, Sekou, and Oumar Camara of Senegal, and spiritual son
Mamadi Camara of New Jersey, as well as eight grandchildren, numerous
relatives in Guinea, West Africa, and the huge extended family
of students, friends and colleagues in America who proudly called him
"Papa."